The St. Louis Cardinals’ primary focus is on Game 3 of their NLCS matchup against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday afternoon. But the decision about a Game 5 starter looms.

The options include Game 1 starter Lance Lynn (on full rest) and Game 2 starter Chris Carpenter (on short rest). And they might include a rookie reliever—Joe Kelly, Trevor Rosenthal or Shelby Miller—making a spot start. However, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that rookie scenario is unlikely.

Lance Lynn could get the call in Game 5 of the NLCS. (AP Photo)

"I like where Lance is right now. I want him to continue preparing for his next start,'' manager Mike Matheny told the newspaper before Monday’s 7-1 loss in Game 2. "That's where my thinking is."

Lynn, who has been used primarily as a reliever in the postseason, allowed four earned runs in 3 2/3 innings of his Game 1 start. Carpenter, who didn’t make his 2012 debut until late September following shoulder surgery in July, allowed five runs (two earned) in four innings in Game 2.

The Cardinals are down a starter because of the season-ending shoulder injury suffered by lefthander Jaime Garcia in the NLDS. Garcia is facing the possibility of surgery.

Righthander Kyle Lohse will start Game 3 for St. Louis, followed by Adam Wainwright in Game 4.